Learning analytics is a type of data mining and organizing that is used to benefit students and their personal learning environment. Monitoring the growth of data of a student, It can play a key role in highlighting their development. It uses a variety of methods, including social networking. Learning analytics will be able to indicate where a student stands on a lesson, no longer will test scores be the sole deciding factor if tutoring needs to be introduced to students. These analytics can show progress and proficiency in any and all areas of study. [1]
The process of utilizing learning analytics consists of five steps: capture, report, predict, act, and refine. Capturing involves gathering and organizing necessary data. The following step, reporting, is the examination of trends, patterns, and exceptions in the data. The third step, predicting, uses statistical algorithms and models to generate predictions on the student's future academic performance. Acting on these predictions is the fourth step, whether it be placing the student in more advanced classes or giving them much needed assistance. The final step is refining the model in case of false or otherwise inaccurate results [2] . These five steps plus the, “effective utilization of learning analytics can help schools and universities to pick up on signals that indicate difficulties with learner performance” [3] .
Several concerns about Learning Analytics have arisen due to the possible amount of personal information posted online by the actual software. While it is debated as to whether or not the benefits will outweigh the risks –the amount of personal gain from Learning Analytics is greater than or equal to the threat ensued by public display—legal tribulations will result from a large scale implementation of Learning Analytics. Ironically, social networking sites allow for the mass exposure of personal information and for a purpose which is not educational, while a Learning Analytic would have an educational nature with the same exposure but may face a larger legal volley. With technology changing over the years, it is likely that the future of education will heavily involve learning analytics. [4]
Learning analytics is a type of data mining and organizing that is used to benefit students and their personal learning environment. Monitoring the growth of data of a student, It can play a key role in highlighting their development. It uses a variety of methods, including social networking. Learning analytics will be able to indicate where a student stands on a lesson, no longer will test scores be the sole deciding factor if tutoring needs to be introduced to students. These analytics can show progress and proficiency in any and all areas of study. [1]
The process of utilizing learning analytics consists of five steps: capture, report, predict, act, and refine. Capturing involves gathering and organizing necessary data. The following step, reporting, is the examination of trends, patterns, and exceptions in the data. The third step, predicting, uses statistical algorithms and models to generate predictions on the student's future academic performance. Acting on these predictions is the fourth step, whether it be placing the student in more advanced classes or giving them much needed assistance. The final step is refining the model in case of false or otherwise inaccurate results [2] . These five steps plus the, “effective utilization of learning analytics can help schools and universities to pick up on signals that indicate difficulties with learner performance” [3] .
Several concerns about Learning Analytics have arisen due to the possible amount of personal information posted online by the actual software. While it is debated as to whether or not the benefits will outweigh the risks –the amount of personal gain from Learning Analytics is greater than or equal to the threat ensued by public display—legal tribulations will result from a large scale implementation of Learning Analytics. Ironically, social networking sites allow for the mass exposure of personal information and for a purpose which is not educational, while a Learning Analytic would have an educational nature with the same exposure but may face a larger legal volley. With technology changing over the years, it is likely that the future of education will heavily involve learning analytics. [4]
What are Learning Analytics. http://www.elearnspace.org/blog/2010/08/25/what-are-learning-analytics/
Academic Analytics. http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/PUB6101.pdf__
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